Fiji FA to fine duo

THE Fiji Football Association will officially lay charges against Dave Radrigai and Beniaminio Mateinaqara next week.

The two senior players failed to join the Digicel ‘Bula Boys’ in camp on time in February for the final phase of preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Oceania qualifiers which was held in Qatar in March.

They were immediately suspended indefinitely from all levels of football for defying a directive to report for pre-camp checks on Monday.

The suspension cost the Fiji Football Association dearly as the return airfares to Qatar for each player was about $5000, let alone their food and accommodation allowance which was paid for.

Fiji FA chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf said all the reports had been compiled.

Yusuf said the players would have to appear on the date set by the disciplinary committee.

He said the players were still suspended from all levels of football.

“If the players are not satisfied with the Fiji FA disciplinary committee decision then they can go to the Fiji FA appeals board,” Yusuf said.

“If they are still not happy then go to arbitration. There are no more options after that. We paid for their airfares, hotel rooms, meals, uniforms and suits. There were no refunds.”

The Qatar campaign cost Fiji FA about $700,000 which included training camps.

Pictures: BALJEET SINGH

2. Malakai Rakula (8) of Suva attempts to head the ball during their match against Lautoka.

3. Ba coach Imdad Ali questions officials after the match against Labasa.

4. Fans enjoy the soccer action at Lawaqa Park.

5. Inoke Turagalailai of Suva heads the ball against Lautoka.